Strikers Bolster 2016 Roster with Four Signings
Published on December 28, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Fort Lauderdale Strikers News Release
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - General Manager and Head Coach Caio Zanardi today announced four additions to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 2016 roster.
Joining the Strikers are Peru national team defender Aurelio Saco Vértiz, Colombian defender Luis Zapata, United States youth international midfielder Victor Pineda, and forward Geison Moura. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
"Each of these players brings a high quality set of skills and experiences," said Zanardi. "This experience includes time with big teams and with their country's national teams. Together, they give strength and balance to our team."
Aurelio Saco Vértiz, 26, comes to the Strikers from Peruvian Primera División side Cienciano. An attacking left back, Saco Vértiz registered one goal and one assist in 18 league appearances for Cienciano in 2015.
Born in Miami to Peruvian parents, Saco Vértiz has spent his entire playing career in Peru. He has represented La Blanquirroja at the under-17 and U-19 levels, and served as captain of the U-20 team. Saco Vértiz was part of the full national team for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Strikers have also secured the signature of another national team player in 22 year old American midfielder Victor Pineda. A member of the U.S. U-23 team in the current Olympic cycle, Pineda was part of the U.S. U-17 Men's National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. and represented the United States at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
In 2010, the Bolingbrook, Ill. native made history as the first homegrown signing for the Chicago Fire. Pineda was a member of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team for four seasons before joining Indy Eleven on loan in 2014. He signed with the NASL club for the following season. In 2013, Pineda trained with La Liga side Atlético Madrid.
Playing on the right or in the center of midfield, Pineda made 17 starts in 20 league appearances for Indy Eleven in 2015, logging 1,458 minutes. Pineda scored two goals in 2015, both against Fort Lauderdale in a 2-1 win for the Eleven at Lockhart Stadium in June.
Experienced defender Luis Zapata has also been added to the 2016 roster. The 35-year-old Colombian enjoyed a long career with Millonarios, playing 162 matches between 2001 to 2008, and brings Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana experience to the Strikers' backline. Zapata played in the U.S. with MLS side Colorado Rapids, and is comfortable in both in the center and left side of defense.
Geison Moura (pronounced JAY-son MORE-uh), 29, is a Brazilian forward who spent four years with Minnesota United FC. In 2014, Moura left Minnesota to join Singapore first-division side Hougang United FC, where he tallied 21 goals in 27 appearances before re-joining United in 2015. Moura has also starred in the Major Indoor Soccer League.
All four players have either U.S. citizenship or a green card, and will not count against the seven man foreign player limit.
Today's signings are the first of several additions in advance of the club's participation in the 2016 Florida Cup. Fort Lauderdale kicks off the Florida Cup on January 10, 2016, against FC Schalke 04 in Orlando, and will face Santa Fe on January 17 in Boca Raton, Fla.
Lockhart Stadium will serve as the host of two Florida Cup games. The first is January 13 when Schalke squares off against Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro. One week later, January 20, Brazilian squads Fluminense and Internacional meet. Tickets are on sale now at Strikers.com/FloridaCup.
North American Soccer League Stories from December 28, 2015
- Strikers Bolster 2016 Roster with Four Signings - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Armada FC Signs 2015 USL Defender of the Year Bryan Burke - Jacksonville Armada FC
- Tampa Bay Rowdies Sign Forward Danny Mwanga - Tampa Bay Rowdies
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